Phi-lan-thro-py

            With today’s high cost of providing medical care, hospitals often do not have enough funds for services, programs, and much needed equipment, that’s the catalyst behind the inception of the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation.

            A philanthropic arm of Cape Fear Valley’s Health system began 19 years ago, when then, CEO John Carlisle approached trustees with the idea. From there, a core team of four men charted a course for the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation that launched programs and support making it a powerful force in our community benefitting many. They support every aspect of the hospital and its programs.

            The infrastructure forged ahead under the leadership of John Buie, Tony Cimaglia, Dr. Harold Godwin and Leonard Hedgepath.  Today the Foundation stands countless volunteers strong with 21 on the board.

            "The citizens of the Cape Fear Valley Region are without a doubt some of the most generous people I have ever had the pleasure of serving," affirmed John Buie.

            With Mike Nagowski at the helm, his visionary leadership has made CFVH system competitive with the likes of what larger cities offer.

Funding primer

            CFVHF programs fund needs that the hospital might otherwise not have funding for. The Foundation helped to reestablish a stroke rehab center and update essential equipment like ultrasound machines.

            Money raised through Friends of the Cancer Center provides direct patient support in terms of financial needs based assistance for the day-to-day needs like medication assistance, providing wigs, turbans and nutritional supplements. There is also a free monthly mammogram program, at no cost to lower income women.

             “We are here to support the health system in any way it needs supported,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director Sabrina Brooks. “We want to provide the best care to the entire population of our region, the more we can provide exceptional services here, patients don’t have to travel.”

            Another unique opportunity funded by the Arts Council is an arts therapy program. The program, Art for Reflections, is offered to all patients once a week where an art therapist helps them deal with a diagnosis through a creative outlet. “It’s another way to deal with cancer diagnosis,” said Brooks.

            The Foundation remains fully funded thanks to the community bolstering their efforts with signature events each year.

            This year in support of children’s services, the annual Friends of Children golf tournament raised $200,000 and has grown to two flights of golf with over 170 golfers participating.

            The Circle of Friends Gala, held at the Highland Country Club sold nearly 500 tickets in 2015. Half of the proceeds from the event were earmarked for a new neuroscience center.

            “We have a very engaged Board of Directors, they are out in the community talking about our mission every single day, “ said Brooks proudly. “The most rewarding part of my job is to know the difference we are making in people’s lives everyday through healthcare and support the Foundation provides.”

            CFVHF illustrates the power of philanthropy and its crucial role in building a healthier society. Philanthropic gifts allow Cape Fear Valley to invest in new technology, pursue leading edge research and treat those who might otherwise be untreatable, right here in our own backyard. When you receive care at Cape Fear Valley, you become part of their family. Their commitment to your health and

well-being extends beyond the borders of just you and affects your loved ones and generations to come.